Tars tough in victory

Steve Virgen

Just play Newport ball.

That’s what Newport Harbor High Coach Sharon Wolfe told her field

hockey team at halftime, when the Sailors were leading 2-0, but were

sensing testiness from host Marina.

The Sailors listened to their coach, kept their composure and

defeated the Vikings, 4-0, to clinch at least a share of the Sunset

League title. Newport Harbor will have a chance to win the league

championship outright Tuesday at 3:15 p.m. when the Sailors host

defending champion Edison at Harper Park.

Against Marina, senior Victoria Swigart produced two assists and

one goal to lead the Sailors (16-1, 6-1 in league).

Swigart’s performance, which also included sound defense,

apparently frustrated the Vikings. Several of the Marina players told

officials and their coach that Swigart was too physical. After the

game, the Marina coach, Crystal Gray, explained to one of her

players, “Newport plays dirty.”

“That’s just Marina whining,” Wolfe said. “We’re just going to

continue to play Newport ball. That’s what I told the girls at the

half. They had to stay focused. And, they did.”

Gray did not speak to the media after the game, saying she had to

speak with a player as she walked off the field and toward the

parking lot. The Sailors seemingly said enough with their dominating

victory on the field.

Senior Kristen Jendrusina got Newport started with a goal midway

through the first half. She scored on a fast break, finishing off an

assist from Swigart.

The Sailors kept attacking and momentarily traded shots with the

Vikings. However, with 1:13 left before the half, Newport increased

its lead when senior Cologne Schmidt tapped in the ball about 3 feet

from the cage. Swigert had the assist.

The Vikings gained a few scoring opportunities in each half and

were able to give Newport senior goalie Amanda Wittman some rare

action. Wittman, regarded as the best goalie in the Sunset League by

Wolfe, recorded six saves.

In the second half, Newport turned up its game a notch and scored

two more goals. Swigart smacked the ball to the back of the cage with

16:48 remaining for a 3-0 lead. Seniors Maddy Anderson and Jillianne

Whitfield were credited with the assists.

Whitfield capped the Sailors’ scoring, finishing off a pinpoint

cross from junior Jenny Taylor. Senor Dana Owad contributed by

supporting the Newport defense, Wolfe said, while Jendrusina showed

consistent ball control.